The Arc de Triomphe is a monumental triumphal arch in Paris, France, standing at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. It honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Visit Info & Tips
For immediate access to the rooftop, prioritize Headout for its competitive pricing and real-time inventory, or Tiqets if you require immediate mobile confirmation for last-minute entries. These tickets grant access to the panoramic terrace and the interior museum; they do not include bypass of the mandatory security line. If standard slots are sold out, check Headout for guided options or bundle tickets. The Arc de Triomphe offers the city's premier axial view, perfectly aligning the Champs-Élysées with the modern skyscrapers of La Défense and the Eiffel Tower. It is a high-satisfaction, short-duration visit ideal for travelers wanting a 360-degree urban perspective without the multi-hour commitment of the Eiffel Tower. Reaching the top requires climbing 284 steps; while an elevator exists for visitors with disabilities, it is not a standard skip-the-line feature for all guests. We recommend visiting during the 'golden hour' or at night when the twelve radiating avenues are illuminated, providing a vastly different atmosphere than the daytime experience. Below the arch, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and its Eternal Flame provide a solemn historical context to the physical ascent.
Practical Info
About Arc de Triomphe
Commissioned by Napoleon I in 1806 following his victory at Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe stands as a powerful symbol of French national identity. Designed by Jean Chalgrin in a Neoclassical style, the monument honors those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, with the names of all French victories and generals inscribed on its inner and outer surfaces. Beneath its colossal vault lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I. An eternal flame was first lit here in 1923 and is ceremonially rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM, serving as a solemn reminder of the human cost of conflict. This ground-level area is free to the public and provides a reflective contrast to the bustling traffic circling the monument. The sculptural groups on the pillars are masterpieces of their time, most notably François Rude's 'La Marseillaise,' which depicts the departure of volunteers in 1792. These high-relief carvings represent various stages of French military history and republican ideals, making the facade a massive outdoor art gallery. Inside the monument, a museum mezzanine features interactive exhibits and models explaining the architecture and history of the arch throughout the centuries. It provides necessary context for international visitors before they continue their ascent to the top. The crowning glory is the rooftop terrace. Positioned at the western end of the Axe Historique, it provides an unobstructed view of the Louvre in one direction and the modern skyscrapers of La Défense in the other. It is widely considered the best spot to photograph the urban symmetry of Paris.
What to See
Arc de Triomphe
The Rooftop Terrace
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
The Sculptural Groups
Internal Museum
The Attic Room
FAQ
History
Commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1806 following his victory at Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe was designed by Jean-Chalgrin to honor the Grande Armée. However, the project faced significant delays due to shifts in French political leadership and imperial fortunes, eventually reaching completion under King Louis-Philippe in 1836. Architecturally, it is a neoclassic masterpiece inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus but constructed on a far more monumental scale, standing 50 meters tall. The facade is adorned with intricate high-relief sculptures, most notably François Rude's 'Departure of the Volunteers of 1792,' commonly known as La Marseillaise. In 1921, the monument's significance evolved from imperial triumph to national mourning with the interment of the Unknown Soldier, representing the millions who died in World War I. This addition introduced the Eternal Flame, which has been rekindled every evening at 6:30 PM for over a century. The monument sits at the center of the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly the Place de l'Étoile, where twelve grand avenues converge. This unique Parisian layout makes the rooftop a vital spot for understanding the Haussmannization of the city, where the strict geometric alignment of the urban landscape becomes visible to the naked eye. Today, it remains the spiritual heart of the French Republic, serving as the starting point for national parades and the final destination of the Tour de France.
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Prices and inclusions verified with our partners Tiqets and Headout.
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